King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 30:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 30:12 in the King James Version says “And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again t... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

1 Samuel 30:12 · KJV


Context

10

But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

11

And they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and gave him bread, and he did eat; and they made him drink water;

12

And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

13

And David said unto him, To whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? And he said, I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite ; and my master left me, because three days agone I fell sick.

14

We made an invasion upon the south of the Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth to Judah, and upon the south of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed provisions, 'cake of figs, two clusters of raisins,' and restored hydration, bring the dying man back to life. The phrase 'his spirit came again to him' (Hebrew: 'watashav rucho elav') describes physical revival through nourishment. The three days without food or water paralleled the time David traveled from Aphek to Ziklag, suggesting the raid occurred just as David departed. Divine timing preserved this witness who would guide David to the enemy camp.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Fig cakes and raisins were standard travel provisions, high in sugar and easily portable. Three days without water in desert conditions was near the limit of human survival, making this man's rescue barely in time.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God's timing placed you in position to receive crucial help?
  2. What does the physical care preceding spiritual conversation suggest about ministry priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיִּתְּנוּ1 of 21

And they gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לוֹ֩2 of 21
H0
פֶ֨לַח3 of 21

him a piece

H6400

a slice

דְּבֵלָ֜ה4 of 21

of a cake

H1690

a cake of pressed figs

וּשְׁנֵ֤י5 of 21

of figs and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

צִמֻּקִים֙6 of 21

clusters of raisins

H6778

a cake of dried grapes

אָ֤כַל7 of 21

and when he had eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

וַתָּ֥שָׁב8 of 21

came again

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

רוּח֖וֹ9 of 21

his spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

אֵלָ֑יו10 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּ֠י11 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹא12 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אָ֤כַל13 of 21

and when he had eaten

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֙חֶם֙14 of 21

no bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וְלֹא15 of 21
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁ֣תָה16 of 21

nor drunk

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מַ֔יִם17 of 21

any water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה18 of 21

and three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

יָמִ֖ים19 of 21

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה20 of 21

and three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

לֵילֽוֹת׃21 of 21

nights

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 30:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 30:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study